Game recap: Jets stun Browns for first win
There’s no encapsulating the Jets’ first win of 2022 without looking at it more broadly. This franchise was envisioned for a gradual trajectory. Sunday was just a small climb.
A “never give up” attitude is the hallmark of athletics. Down by 13 with two minutes left, people will have been turning off their television while the Jets offense turned on their focus.
Two minute madness
Joe Flacco easily found Corey Davis on a quick 66-yard touchdown pass. An inexcusable coverage bust by the Browns defensive backs but a much-needed score with 1:22 remaining in regulation. A five-man protection lasted just long enough for their quarterback to step cleanly into the throw.
An onside kick which could’ve been recovered by Browns receiver Amari Cooper, instead went to the Jets. Down by six, the game was back in the hands of Flacco with great field position. He took whatever chunks were available and had the team just 15 yards away for a 3rd-and-10 opportunity.
Garrett Wilson split through the two-safety look that Cleveland showed and Flacco got him in stride to tie the game at 30. Wilson had dropped a pass on a crucial third down earlier in the quarter.
Greg Zurlein was able to kick a successful extra point. The Jets defense just needed to prevent a last-ditch drive. Jacoby Brisset fired into the arms of Ashton Davis who slid down to secure one of the greatest comebacks ever.
Winning in such spectacular fashion is unsustainable but the climb is part of the bigger picture. During Week One, the defense rallied to ball carriers on early downs to keep the contest within reason throughout the first half.
Better offensive numbers
On Sunday, the passing game wasn’t particularly consistent but was at least respectable. Michael Carter and Breece Hall equally shared carries. Carter carried for just a 3.3 average but Hall’s longest run reached 23 yards.
Before Cleveland took a two-score lead, the Jets had withstood an absurdly gifted backfield of Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt. Myles Garrett didn’t completely derail drives with his pass-rushing. Putting together a complete showing from start to finish hasn’t been in the cards yet.
You might not see it until midway through the season with the Jets. They are making small climbs.
